Infant exhumed at North West home

A couple may face murder charges after the body of their two-week-old infant was exhumed at their home in Delareyville, North West police said.

The body was discovered in their yard on Wednesday afternoon after police were alerted by suspicious neighbours, Sergeant Philani Nkwalase said yesterday.

“Neighbours became suspicious when they did not see a baby from the mother after her pregnancy and informed the police,” said Nkwalase.

When police questioned the couple, they admitted to have buried her in their yard after her death.

Police were told the baby was born on January 14 and died on Sunday after a short sickness.

The couple, aged 31 and 35, allegedly buried her without informing police or emergency services about her death. They also did not acquire proper documentation for her burial.

Her body was exhumed and taken for forensic investigation and an inquest docket was opened.

The couple was not arrested as police were awaiting the post mortem results to establish the real cause of death.

They could be arrested and charged with murder if evidence revealed foul play.

- Sapa